"Ponder"
of the Week
* Read and reread the scripture each day.
* Ask God to show you His truth through His Word.
* Ponder the scripture as you go about your day.
* Keep a record of your spiritual growth and understanding.
See thoughts on how to ponder on the "Ponder of the Week" main page and on the HOME page
Week 9/8-14/2024
Suggested Scripture to Ponder this week:
Psalm 37
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Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.....
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath;
Do not fret--it only causes harm.....
The wicked plots against the just,
And gnashes at him with his teeth.
The Lord laughs at him,
For He sees that his day is coming....
For the arms of the wicked shall be broken,
But the Lord upholds the righteous.
Psalm 37:1-5, 7-8, 12-13, 17
Commentary:
If we focus on the world, it seems evil is winning. Whenever you are discouraged, read Psalm 37. The physical world seems like reality. But in fact the spiritual world is much more "real" than the physical world we experience with our five human senses. Our lives are a vapor (James 4:14), here today and gone tomorrow.
What we see and hear and feel in the physical world is merely the evidence of the spiritual battle going on all around us. God has provided us with protective armor (Ephesians 6:10-18). We need to "put on" His armor to stand firm in this battle. This is not a battle for a good life here. We are fighting for lost souls. Our weapon, the most powerful weapon in this world, is the Word of God. We fight to share the Gospel message of hope in Jesus Christ. We fight to share this urgent message with lost and dying souls.
We either stand and fight for good, or we are on the side of evil. There is no middle ground. There is no grey area. Soldiers cannot compromise. They cannot be partly loyal to one leader and partly loyal to the enemy.
A battle is not easy. When you are distracted and discouraged by the evil you see around you, remember to read Psalm 37. God is in control of our situation. Forces of evil may appear very powerful and successful. They are not. Evil, and evildoers, will be destroyed. God upholds the righteous. Read and ponder this Psalm. Look to God. Focus on eternity. Pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44). God never promised us ease and pleasure on this earth. This life is momentary. Eternity is forever.